7 Most Unique Wisconsin Towns

When you think of Wisconsin, you probably think of the Green Bay Packers, cheese curds, and perhaps even the Wisconsin Dells. But beyond these few highlights, most people know very little about Wisconsin. From being the birthplace of many famous people, including Laura Ingalls Wilder, Harry Houdini, Gene Wilder, and Orson Welles, to being the dairy capital of the United States, Wisconsin is filled with unique attractions and towns that make fantastic vacation destinations. With four national parks that highlight this state’s noteworthy natural features, gorgeous cave systems to explore, and amusement parks that will impress even the most daring adrenaline junkies, Wisconsin has something for everyone. So, if you plan to visit this region of the United States, check out some of these unique Wisconsin towns, they are sure to entertain the entire family.

Wisconsin Dells

Wisconsin Dells is one of the more well-known towns in Wisconsin, famous for going BIG. Awash in amusement and waterparks, the Dells offer every adventure excursion known to man. From Big Foot Ropes Course and Zipline, Knuckleheads Trampoline Park, Mt. Olympus Water and Theme Park, and Timber Falls Adventure Park, this town is an adrenaline junky’s dream. But, more than any other amusement in the Dells, Noah’s Ark Waterpark draws the largest crowds. Covering 70 acres of land, Noah’s Ark is the largest waterpark in the United States. With 51 single slides and dozens of other amusements, including a wave pool and a lazy river, this park uses 2 million gallons of water daily. While this waterpark does not have an affiliated hotel, as many of the parks in Wisconsin Dells do, they partner with many of the accommodations directly across from the park on the west side of Highway 12, allowing you to get the best ticket prices possible. 

Pepin

Laura Ingalls Wilder was a renowned American author born in Pepin, Wisconsin. She is primarily known for her Little House of the Prairie series and Little House in the Big Woods, both partially autobiographical. Today, Pepin, Wisconsin, draws visitors looking to learn about the real life of this influential author. If you want to learn about Wilder’s life, you will want to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum on 3rd Street, close to where Main Street and Great River Road meet. There is also Little House Wayside to see, sometimes called Laura’s Little House, a 3 acre property once owned by the Wilder family. On-site, there is a reproduction of the home Wilder lived in as a child that is open to visitors, bringing to life both Wilder’s past and her literary works. 

Superior

In quintessential Wisconsin fashion, the community of Superior is surrounded by lush green forests. With around 21,000 residents, Superior is one of the largest towns in the state and has a booming tourist economy. One of the main draws of Superior is its proximity to Pattison State Park and Big Manitou Falls. These falls are the fourth-tallest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains, with a 31-foot drop. There are two vantage points from which you can view the falls from a distance and one hike that will take you up close to the falls. This park also has 8 miles worth of hiking trails open to the public. After spending a long day outdoors, you will want to come home to a relaxing environment. There are many options in town to choose from, but the Saint Kate Hotel ranked as one of the best Wisconsin hotels by Conde Nast Magazine, is a great place to stay.

Baraboo

Ever wanted to run off and join the circus? If so, the Wisconsin town of Baraboo is just for you! With a population of around 12,000, Baraboo is the county seat of Baraboo County and its most amusing community. In 1884, Baraboo was the headquarters and winter home of the Ringling Brothers Circus. Performers, animals, and many tents returned every fall to Baraboo after traveling across the United States to wait out the cold months of the year. Today, this town is the home of the Circus World Museum, the largest circus museum in the world. After spending a day exploring this massive attraction, you can spend the night at one of the circus-themed hotels in town, including the Ringing House Bed and Breakfast.

Ephraim

With its unique distinction of being a hub for Norwegian culture in America, Ephraim, Wisconsin, was settled in 1853 by a Moravian minister, Reverend Andreas Iverson, and a Norwegian immigrant, Andreas Iverson. Around Ephraim, there are many of the original buildings still standing, including the Moravian Church, built in 1858, the Pioneer Schoolhouse, built in 1880, and the Anderson Store, built in 1858. In town, the Ephraim Historical Foundation works to keep the Moravian and Norwegian heritage of this town alive. The foundation operates a museum from which daily tram tours run, taking passengers to many beautifully preserved historic buildings. Other tours offered by the Ephraim Historical Foundation are the Binkhaven tour, the Roots of Our Village tour, and the online virtual tour, each informative and fun.

New Glarus

Not to be outdone by ‘Little Norway,’ the community of New Glarus, 35 minutes south of the state capitol of Madison in Green County, is known as ‘Little Switzerland.’ This town of 2,200 residents has Swiss ski-town charm from every cultural aspect imaginable. From the alpine-style architecture, the rich community history, and even the cuisine, made noteworthy by Garner Stube’s popular Swiss-style restaurant, the town of New Glarus feels like a dose of European luxury without the airfare. If you are traveling with the entire family, exploring the Swiss Historical Village Museum is educational and entertaining. And, for the perfect taste of Switzerland mixed with Wisconsin, make sure to visit Maple Leaf Cheese and Chocolate Haus.

Spring Valley

Crystal Cave is one of the most famous cave systems in the United States. Its closest town, Spring Valley, Wisconsin, is just 5 minutes by car northeast from the cave entrance and visitor center. Spring Valley is a great place to stay while exploring this vast underground network filled with stalagmites and stalactites. Offering a wide range of tours, from short walking tours open to small children and those with mobility concerns to more advanced spelunking tours that take you deep into the untouched darkness of Crystal Cave, there is more than enough cave exploring for a multi-day stay in Spring Valley. For those who are claustrophobic, you can get a test of Crystal Cave in the excellent information center near the cave entrance.

The Take Home

While many consider Wisconsin just one of the fly-over states, nothing could be farther from the truth. Filled with innumerable unique towns, five-star accommodations, world-class amusement parks and waterparks, diverse natural and cultural landscapes, and fascinating museums and monuments, your time in this state will fly by. From history lovers and literature aficionados to adventure seekers, there is something for everyone in Wisconsin, and everyone will return home only wanting to spend their next vacation exploring more unique Wisconsin towns.